What is teaching like today? Who should do it? And who shouldn't? This Education World series features essays on teaching by teachers as they answer the question, "If you had it to do all over again, would you still become a teacher?"

Okay, I have to admit, I'm writing this essay on why I love teaching to get a free mug... I love free stuff!... Yes, I'm a teacher.

As you can tell, I love teaching for the simplest of things. I love the sound of the children as they laugh and play at recess. I love the sound of the band and the pride that beams from the drum line. I love the cool crisp days, and the art projects that look like a great idea until you realize you must personally hot glue 23 projects in 30 minutes. I love the letters from the kids that say, "You're the best!" I love the curriculum I get to manipulate to ensure that everyone has a fair shake at it... but most of all, I love that I have the opportunity to truly touch lives. Teachers have the opportunity to influence the lives of so many different children -- the children whose home lives are living nightmares and you are the best thing that happens to them that day; the children who are blessed to have moms and dads who love them dearly; the smart children; the children who need help; and all the children in between. I truly have the best job in the world. I'm a teacher!

Cassie Hunter teaches third grade.

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